Developmental Integrative BiologyFashion Design and Merchandising

UNT offers progressive opportunities in the areas of fashion design and merchandising. A close affiliation between the College of Visual Arts and Design and the College of Merchandising, Hospitality, and Tourism provides a comprehensive learning environment that teaches core skills across the production pipeline—from design research, drawing, and haute couture sewing techniques to exhibition, retail commerce, and product delivery. This foundation, coupled with a world-class lecture series, study abroad programs, exchange with industry experts, fashion runways, and access to gallery and retail venues, gives students and faculty unique opportunities to pursue their work in both academic and professional contexts. Fashion houses in Dallas and Fort Worth regularly seek interns from the program. Additionally, UNT is home to the Texas Fashion Collection, one of the most important historic fashion collections in the country, with over 15,0000 garments and accessories from the 19th and 20th centuries. The Collection is a world renowned, educational resource dedicated to the preservation and documentation of historically significant fashion.

■ Extensive network of global partners provides opportunities for training and exchange with retail industry leaders, museum curators, and diverse fashion and merchandising experts

■ The Texas Fashion Collection at UNT is one of the most important historic fashion collections in the country, with a digital archive and exhibition space

■ Integrated curriculum hones skills across the production spectrum, from creative development and research to product distribution and sales

■ Faculty members at the forefront of design and digital retail address historical as well as emerging techniques, technologies, and trends

Representative FacultyJudith Forney, Dean of the College of Merchandising, Hospitality, and Tourism (CMHT); and Professor of Merchandising: fashion industry; and shopping, purchasing, and product experience

Dee Knight, Associate Dean of CMHT; and Associate Professor of Merchandising: digital retailing; brand equity; and shopping behavior

Myra Walker, Director/Curator of the Texas Fashion Collection; and Professor of Fashion Design: fashion history; fashion accessories; and gallery exhibition

Li-Fen Anny Chang, Assistant Professor of Fashion Design: couture sewing; illustration; patternmaking; and draping

Christy Crutsinger, Vice Provost for Faculty Success; and Professor of Merchandising: retail industry recruitment retention; merchandising strategies; and consumer behavior

Tammy Kinley, Chair and Associate Professor of Merchandising: textiles; merchandising problems; and consumer studies

Rich Last, Lecturer of Merchandising: digital retailing; e-commerce; multichannel retail; and social commerce

Eric Ligon, Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of the College of Visual Arts and Design; and Professor of Communication Design: design pedagogy and problem solving; and brand development

HaeJung Maria Kim, Associate Professor of Merchandising:fashion brand equity; retail career; and retail industries

Marian O’Rourke-Kaplan, Associate Professor of Fashion Design: design; patternmaking; sewing construction and tailoring; and professional practices

Janie Stidham, Associate Professor of Fashion Design: design; patternmaking; modern textiles; and art wear

Marissa Zorola, Lecturer of Merchandising: apparel merchandising; textiles; and mall shopping behavior

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Select Research ResourcesAsia Study Abroad Program

The College of Merchandising, Hospitality, and Tourism (CMHT) study abroad program offers trips to Hong Kong, Macau, and Mainland China—the fastest growing economic region in the world. Begun in 1993, the program offers exciting opportunities for living and learning experiences. Students and faculty participants meet with factory managers, business executives, and government officials to learn about the apparel supply chain industry and doing business in China, from fiber manufacture and quality testing to merchandising and the shipment of finished garments.

Texas Fashion Collectionwww.tfc.unt.edu

The UNT Texas Fashion Collection is a world renowned resource dedicated to the preservation and documentation of historically significant fashion. Founded by the Neiman Marcus family in 1938, the collection is an educational resource for students, faculty, researchers, and the general public and includes over 15,000 garments and accessories from the 19th and 20th centuries. Fashion on Main, the current exhibition facility of the collection, is dedicated to the presentation and interpretation of fashion history and current cultural topics and creates educational and scholarly activities in conjunction with each show. The Texas Fashion Collection Digital Library, part of the UNT College of Visual Arts and Design, is managed by the UNT Digital Libraries.

College of Merchandising, Hospitality, and Tourism Board of Governors

CMHT boasts a dynamic board of governors—recognized leaders in the field who work diligently as advocates for the school and university. Board members guide program development, fund raising activities, and provide external support in numerous ways. The Apparel Group, Fossil, J.C. Penney, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Pier 1 Imports, Sally Beauty Supply, Sheplers Western Wear, Target, and Tuesday Morning are among the industry names represented.

The J.C. Penney Executive-in-Residence Lecture Series

The series, made possible by an endowment from the J.C. Penney Company, brings top-level executives and experts to campus as guest lecturers in classrooms. Students and faculty gain inside perspectives about the industry on diverse topics, including the development of private apparel brands within the context of a global economy, and digital retail and online shopping trends.

DRC: UNT Design Research Centerart.unt.edu/designresearchcenter

DRC is a research unit that operates as an extension of the UNT College of Visual Arts and Design. Located in the heart of downtown Dallas in the Texas business district, it functions as a laboratory space that supports the endeavors of UNT faculty, staff, and students engaged in design research, and as a classroom space that supports the CVAD curriculum. The center facilitates collaborations and partnerships among groups from different disciplines to advance design research knowledge, practice, and scholarship.

Merchandising Inc.

Merchandising Inc. is a university-based organization that facilitates opportunities for students interested in fashion, home furnishings, or digital retailing. Through the organization’s established network of industry professionals and retailers, students gain practice experience and professional development—from styling and management of garments to fashion show planning.

Contributing Research Cluster:Consumer Experiences in Digital Environmentsdigitalconsumer.unt.edu